Multi Oriented, Power Source Agnostic Replacement For Lighting Assembly

ABSTRACT

This invention is a replacement lighting system for signs that can include a first lighting assembly having LED strips disposed on opposite sides. The lighting assembly can be rotatably attached to the lamp holders. A hub can be removably connected to an external power supply, a first lighting assembly and a second lighting assembly. The lighting system can be used to replace existing lighting such as fluorescent tubes and accompanying ballasts without the need to understand remove or rewire the sign electrical components other than attaching the lighting system to the power source. The lighting assemblies can be rotated in the lamp holders to reduce or remove hot spots or dark areas. Multiple lighting assemblies can be connected end to end and be in electrical communication with the power source without necessarily needing to wire each lighting assembly to the power source.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1) Field of the Invention

This invention is directed to a power source agnostic replacement for alighting assembly tube that can be used to replace traditionalfluorescent lighting such as in commercial signs.

2) Description of Related Art

A fluorescent lamp, well known in the art, is typically a low-pressuremercury-vapor gas-discharge lamp that uses fluorescence to producevisible light. The lamp is constructed by providing a tube filled with agas containing low pressure mercury vapor and argon, xenon, neon, orkrypton. An electrical current excites vapor which results in ashort-wave ultraviolet light. This UV light causes a phosphor coating onthe inside of the lamp to glow providing light. Fluorescent lamp tubesare typically straight, have a rounded cross section, and have a lengthin the range of about 4 inches to about 8 feet. Because each lamp is anenclosed tube typically containing mercury, breaking the tube canrelease the mercury creating a health danger. Further, some fluorescenttubes emit UV radiation. In one study, UV radiation emitted byfluorescent lighting was found to potentially increase an individual'sexposure to carcinogenic radiation by 10 to 30 percent per year which isassociated with an increased probability of contracting squamous cellcarcinoma. There is also evidence that flickering from fluorescent lampscan cause seizures in patients with photosensitive epilepsy, but therehas yet to be any evidence to date attributing seizures to compactfluorescent lamps. Therefore, there have been attempts to replacefluorescent lamps with an economical substitute with reduced risks andequal or improved power consumption characteristics and performance.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,860,628 is directed to an elongated hollowtubular or solid rod lighting device including a plurality of LEDstherewith and appropriate electrical componentry and serving as a directreplacement for a conventional fluorescent light tube in a conventionalfluorescent lighting fixture. It is designed to have the appropriateconnector pins extending from each end thereof, enabling the device tobe installed in a conventional fluorescent lighting fixture with nomodification to the fixture. The light may include appropriateelectrical componentry such as a step-down transformer to provide therequired voltage for the LEDs, either integrally within the light,incorporated in an end cap thereof, or installed separately therefrom inthe fixture, as desired. U.S. Pat. No. 7,114,830 is also directed to aLED replacement of fluorescent light without modifications to thefixture.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,502,454 is directed to various apparatuses and methodsfor replacing a fluorescent lamp with a non-fluorescent tube includingan electrical connector adapted to electrically connect to a fluorescentlamp fixture, a DC rectifier connected to the electrical connector, avoltage converter connected to the DC rectifier, and a non-fluorescentlight source connected to the voltage converter. The DC rectifier,voltage converter, and non-fluorescent light source are substantiallycontained within a housing that is physically configured to replace thefluorescent lamp in a fluorescent lamp fixture.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,668,361 is directed to light source that is adapted toreplace existing fluorescent tubes in an existing fluorescent lightfixture. The light source includes a plurality of LEDs mounted on aheat-dissipating structure, first and second plug adapters that matewith the florescent tube connectors of the fluorescent tube the lightsource is to replace, and a power adapter that converts power from afluorescent tube ballast presented on the first and second plug adaptersto DC power that powers the LEDs. The light source is powered from theoutput of the existing fluorescent ballast.

However, these solutions require that the ballast of the fluorescentassembly remain in the structure. Further, the connection of the end ofthe replacement is required to be in the same pin configuration of theoriginal fluorescent tube. Further, the use of LED lighting is typicallydone with a LED lighting strip thereby making lighting requirementsneeding two-sided light projection difficult. Further, given theprojection of LED lighting, the ability to rotate and direct the lightbeam would be advantageous. Fluorescent lighting has 360-degreeprojection so that the aiming of the light is not needed for surroundinglight projection.

Further, the sign or housing that contains the lights can have one ormore wiring systems such as when a sign is rewired, the original wiringmay not be removed. This results in a situation where the electrician orother individual tasked with installing new lights, repairing lights orsigns, replacing lights, or upgrading lights has to first determine thepower in, the proper wires to use in a sign housing, and which wires toconnect to the new lighting assembly. This task takes time and canresult in increased chance of electrical wiring mistakes. Further, thereis no standard wiring configuration for sign housings so that the powersupply could be located about anywhere within the sign housing from theexternal power source. It would be advantageous to have a lightingassembly that could serve as a replacement lighting assembly that wasnot dependent upon any particular power source location or existingwiring system in a sign housing.

Further, traditional lighting housings for fluorescent lights havespecific discrete attachment locations for lighting tubes that areaffixed to the housing as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,183,327. This housingdesign does not allow for changing the location or the number oflighting assembly in a housing without rewiring the housing itself. Forexample, in the housing shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,183,327, there aremounts or connectors for two lighting assembly. To add a third lightingassembly would require that there be an additional set of mounts orconnectors attached to the housing and that the existing wiring systembe modified to add wiring for the third lighting assembly.

In fluorescent lighting, the technology for lighting tubes was the T12.This technology is on the decline, but nevertheless millions of tubesstill exist. Its decline has been accelerated through funding andincentives that shortened the payback period for replacement projects.Further, technology advancements improving rare-earth phosphors andelectronic ballasts produced a T8 lamp-ballast system that provides forbetter color rendering, longer life, and improved efficiency. Further,the T8 lamp can fit into the standard socket configuration of T12 aslong as the lamp lengths are the same.

The resulting disadvantage is that the majority of the installed T12lamps are 8 feet in length, making it troublesome and even dangerous tostore, handle and manipulate the T12 lamp or even the T8 lamp as this8-foot length. For example, the standard door is 80 inches in height or6 feet 8 inches making manipulating an 8-foot lamp through a doorchallenging. When a fluorescent lamp is broken, such as the eight-footT12, there are health risks due to the use of mercury that can exist invapor and a solid upon breakage. In fact, one study shows that it wouldtake over 20 minutes in a fan ventilated room for the mercury releasedfrom a broken fluorescent tube to dissipate to normal levels. Therefore,there is a significant need to reduce the damages of broken T12 lamps.

Additionally, there are some older T12 ballasts that contain PCBs. PCBsare contained within the fluorescent light ballast's capacitors andinterior potting material of older magnetic T12 lighting fixturescausing them to be hazardous to human health. Additionally, intactPCB-containing fluorescent light ballasts may emit small amounts of PCBsinto the air during normal use of the lighting fixtures. EPA recommendsall PCB-containing fluorescent light ballasts be removed from lightingfixtures.

Additionally, Department of Energy regulations have virtually eliminatedthe new installation of T12 technology so that replacement parts ofthese existing lighting system as becoming increasingly hard to come by.This reduction in supply has led to increased costs of replacementparts. The result of these health risks, regulatory pressures andfinancial disincentives is that lighting system has been replaced toeliminate these older systems. For example, United Kingdom Patent GB2,447,257 discloses a one-piece assembly retro-fit replacement lamp forfluorescent light fitting device with external Light Emitting Diode(LED) light panel and an internally housed LED power supply unitdesigned to allow the assembly to be installed into an existingfluorescent light fitting to replace the existing light source with aLED light source. Further, U.S. Pat. No. 4,631,450 discloses ballastadaptor circuit which makes it possible to convert a conventional twolamp rapid start T12 ballast for operation of two T8 fluorescent lampsand by means of a simple modification that does not require cuttingwires or extensive rewiring of the T12 ballast device.

However, none of these attempts solve the problems with reducing thelength of the lamp below 8 feet and improving performance, using theexisting reflector and housing and existing power supply. For example,U.S. Pat. No. 2,342,570 discloses fluorescent lighting fixtures of thekind having a lamp circuit; embodied therein including a plurality oflamp holders and a replaceable current-limiting device, commonly calleda ballast. The initial designs included gas discharge lamps using simplechokes in order to limit the current of the gas discharge which is nowknown to have disadvantages. The disadvantages are due, in part, to theoperation of lamps at the customary power frequency of 50 or 60 Hzcausing the lights to flicker at these frequencies resulting instroboscopic effects. Patent '570 disclose an attempt to convert theselighting systems to electronic high-frequency operation.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide for areplacement lighting system for fluorescent tubes regardless of endconnectors, length, or orientation.

It is another object of the present invention to provide for areplacement lighting system where the light projection can beconfigured.

It is another object of the present invention to provide for a lightingsystem that can be installed regardless of the position within a signhousing or existing wiring system.

It is an object of the present invention to provide for a retrofittingsystem to replace T12 and other harmful lighting system components withthe newer T8 and other more efficient lamps.

It is another object of the present invention to provide for aretrofitting system that can provide for the use of shorter lamps, suchas 4 feet, without changing the housing.

It is another object of the present invention to provide for aretrofitting system that is minimally effects by the various componentsof the original lighting system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a lighting system that can replacean existing lights and wiring in a a sign comprising: a first lightingassembly having a support structure, a cavity defined in the supportstructure, a first LED strip disposed on a first side of the supportstructure and a second LED strip disposed on an opposite side of thesupport structure; an end cap assembly including a fixed cap and arotatable cap attached to an end of the support structure; an endconnector attached to the rotatable cap concealing a pin connectorcarried by the support structure; a first driver disposed in the cavityand in electrical communications with the first LED strip and the secondLED strip; an initial connector configured be connected to an externalpower supply; a first light connector carried by the support structureand connected to the first driver; a second light connector carried bythe support structure and connected to the first driver; first hubremovably connected to the initial connector by a first extension cordand removably connected to the first light connecter by a secondextension cord; and, a second hub removably connected to the secondlight connector and a second lighting assembly.

The invention can include an extension cord removably connected betweenthe first hub and the first light connector, an extension cord can beremovably connected between the first hub and the initial connector anda cap attached to the first hub. The invention can include a hubextension included in the first hub.

A joint can connect the first lighting assembly to the second lightingassembly in a lengthwise configuration. A first wiring clip can beattached to the first lighting assembly and a second wiring clip can beattached to the second lighting assembly wherein the first wiring clipand the second wiring clip define an electrical connection between thefirst lighting assembly and the second lighting assembly and aredisposed in a tray defined in the joint. A threaded connector having afirst threaded end attached to the first lighting assembly and a secondthreaded end attached to the second lighting assembly to can connect thefirst lighting connector and the second lighting connector. A firstelectrical connector can be carried by the first lighting assembly and asecond electrical connector carried by the second lighting assemblyconfigured to form an electrical connection between the first lightingassembly and the second lighting assembly.

The invention can include an initial connector removably connectedbetween the external power supply and the first hub, a second extensioncord removably connected between the first hub and the second hub, and athird extension cord removably connected between the second hub and thesecond light assembly.

The invention can include a third lighting assembly removably connectedto the second hub. The first lighting assembly and second lightingassembly can be configured to reduce hot spots and dark areas byrotating the first lighting assembly and second lighting assembly in thesign housing. The power supply, first hub, first lighting assembly,second hub, and second lighting assembly can be connected in parallel inan electrical circuit. A third lighting assembly can be connected to anend of the second lighting assembly and in electrical communicationswith the second lighting assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The construction designed to carry out the invention will hereinafter bedescribed, together with other features thereof. The invention will bemore readily understood from a reading of the following specificationand by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof,wherein an example of the invention is shown and wherein:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of the prior art;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one end of aspects of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of aspects of the invention;

FIG. 4 is an end view of aspects of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a top view of components of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of components of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic of aspects of the invention;

FIG. 8 is an edge view of aspects of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the prior art;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of aspects of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a side view of aspects of the invention;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are perspective views of aspects of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of aspects of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a schematic of aspects of the invention;

FIG. 15A through 15C are schematics of aspects of the invention;

FIGS. 16A and 16B are schematics of aspects of the invention;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of aspects of the invention;

FIGS. 18A and 18B are perspective views of aspects of the invention;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of aspects of the invention;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of aspects of the invention;

FIG. 21 is a front view of aspects of the invention;

FIG. 22A is a bottom view of aspects of the invention;

FIGS. 22B and 22C as wiring schematics;

FIG. 22D is a cross section of aspects of the invention; and,

FIG. 22E is a perspective view of aspects of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference to the drawings, the invention will now be described inmore detail. Referring to FIG. 1A, a traditional fluorescent lamp 10 isshown having pin connectors 12. These pin connectors are received into asocket securing the fluorescent tube into a light fixture. The lightgenerated can project generally 360° from the long axis of the tube.With this tube, the fluorescent tube can be used with a reflector torestrict the light production and can be used with an applicationneeding 360° such as with illuminated signs. FIG. 1B illustrates anotherend connector 14 with recessed pins providing for electrical contact forthe fluorescent tube.

Referring to FIG. 2, a lighting assembly 16 is shown having a supportstructure 18 that can have attached to it a clear cover 20 that cancover a LED strip 22. The LED strip can include individual LED lamps 24that can be arranged in a linear fashion, in a single, or a multiple rowconfiguration and can be in an offset configuration. A fixed cap 26 canbe attached to the support structure and cover the ends of the supportstructure and/or the clear cover. A cavity can be defined in the supportstructure to contain wiring and electronics. A rotatable cap 28 can beattached to the fixed cap so that the rotatable cap can rotate about anaxis perpendicular to the long axis of the support structure. Therotatable cap can include a stop to prevent the rotatable cap fromrotating more than 360°. An end connector 30 can be attached to therotatable cap.

Referring to FIG. 3, the support structure 18 is shown with a first LEDstrip 32 carried by the support structure. The LED lamps are facingoutward in relation to the support structure. A second LED strip (notshown) can be carried by the support structure and disposed on theopposite side of the support structure. Its LED lamps can be facingoutward in a direction about 180° to the light projection direction ofthe LED lamps of the first LED strip. Wiring 34 can be attached to eachLED strip representing the power and ground components of the circuitincluding the LED strips.

Referring to FIG. 4, an end of the support structure and the first andsecond LED strips is shown. Support structure 18 can include ridges 36on opposing ends of the support structure to improve handling of theassembly. An LED slot 38 can be defined in the support structure forreceiving the LED strip 22. A wire opening 40 a and 40 b defined in theLED strip and the support structure respectively to allow the wiring ofthe LED strips to attached to the outer side of the LED strip and alsobe positioned in the cavity 42 defined in the support structure.Internal extensions 44 can extend into the cavity to provide for anattachment point to secure the fixed cap to the support structure. Inone embodiment, the internal extension can include a threaded opening 46for receiving a screw that can extend through the fixed cap and into thesupport structure.

Referring to FIG. 5, the cap is shown having a fixed portion 48 and arotatable portion 50. The rotatable portion can rotate about the fixedportion. The fixed cap can be attached to the support structure withscrews that are received in to opening 54 so that the fixed cap cannotrotate relative to the support structure. The rotatable cap 28 can beattached to the rotatable portion of the fixed cap by screws that arereceived into opening 56 and are secured to the rotatable portion of thefixed cap by opening 58. A pin 60 is included in the rotatable capproviding electric communications from a power source to the LED strip.The end connector can include an opening 62 for receiving the pin andallowing the pin to be in electric communications with a contact 64. Theend connector can be removable so that the rotatable cap can be usedwith a power source socket having openings or contacts.

Referring to FIG. 6, the inward facing side of the various ends caps isshown. The rotatable cap includes wiring and a pin connector 69 that canbe the power or ground for the circuit of the invention with theopposing rotatable cap having the corresponding wiring. Contact 64 canprovide electric communications between the rotatable wiring, pinconnector, and power source to provide power to the electrical circuitof the invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, a first end cap assembly 66, having the fixed capand the rotatable cap, is shown in electric communications with LEDdriver 68. A second end cap 70 is shown in electric communications withthe LED driver. When power is applied to the first end cap and thesecond end cap, the driver can convert the applied power to a level thatcan be transmitted to the first LED strip 72 and the second LED strip74. The cavity defined in the support structure 18 can receive driver,wiring, and LED strips so that the assembly is self-container and can beplaced in the pre-existing light fixture. In one embodiment, the lightfixture can be modified to remove the ballast from the preexistingfluorescent fixture so that the pre-existing light fixture need onlyprovide power to the assembly.

Referring to FIG. 8, a top down view of the light assembly is shown in apre-existing lighting fixture such as with a lighted sign. The lightedsign housing 80 can include a light source area 82 that is disposed inthe housing. The lighting source, traditionally, fluorescent tubes, canbe substituted with the LED assembly 84 of the present invention. Thesupport structure 18 causes the light projection to be toward a firstside and a second side within the housing. The rotatable cap allows thelight projection to align with the front and rear side of the lightedsign housing allowing the LED assembly to rotate in a direction shown as86.

Referring to FIG. 9, a sign housing 88 is shown having an interiorcompartment. In the compartment, there is at least a first ballast 90and can be a second ballast 92 remaining from a prior installation.Fluorescent tubes 94 can be attached to the housing from a previousinstallation. The power to the wiring assembly and florescent tubes canoriginate externally from the housing and enter the housing at 96 or anyother point in the housing. Traditionally, when replacing the sign,replacing bulbs, or otherwise modifying the sign, wiring assembly, orlighting assembly, it is necessary to discover where external power isoriginating and entering the sign housing, the wiring assembly, andcircuit path that needs to be used, and the wiring structure of the newor modified florescent lighting assembly. It would be advantageous tohave a replacement or repair system that would eliminate the need tohave a specific location for power entering the sign housing or to haveto trace the existing wiring assembly in the sign. In one embodiment,the invention can include installing a power storage unit connected toan external power. The external power source can include a solar panelor a wind generator that can generate power stored in the power storageunit.

Referring to FIG. 10, lighting assembly 16 having support structure 18can include a slot 96 defined in the support structure or tube forallowing power leads 100 a and 100 b to extend from an internal cavityof the tube or support structure outward from the tube or supportstructure. Therefore, the tube can be supported by existing lamp holders102 so that the power to the tube would not need to come from the lampholder as is generally preformed in the prior art. Power would besupplied to the tube using the power leads and not with integratedconnectors that are attached to the ends of the tube. The slot can be inthe support structure 18 or arranged in or adjacent to the LED strip asshown in FIG. 11. With these arrangements, the power can be supplied tothe LED strip without the need for conductive end caps.

Referring to FIG. 12A, one embodiment is shown with an opening 104defined in the support structure 18. Therefore, the power leads 100 aand 100 b are disposed inward from the fixed cap and can provide powerto the LED strip without connectors being attached to the end caps orconnectors. Referring to FIG. 12B, one embodiment includes an openedended slot 106 defined in the support structure or LED strip thatextends to the edge 108 of the support structure or LED strip definingan opening 110 in the support structure or LED strip. The opened endedslot allowed for the driver to be placed in the support structure, thepower lead to be disposed in the open-ended slot and the fixed cap to beplaced on the end of the support structure. Therefore, the power leadsneed not be threaded through an opening which can simplify assembly.Once the fixed cap is placed on the support structure, the power leadsare prevented from sliding out of the open-ended slot at opening 110.

Referring to FIG. 13, one embodiment includes support structure contacts110 a and 110 b that are attached to the support structure andinternally attached to the driver and/or LED strip so that when thesupport structure contacts are energized, power is provided to thedriver and/or LED strip and light is provided. In this embodiment, thepower leads need not extend through the support structure allowing forthe support structure to be more environmentally sealed, such as waterresistant, waterproof, air proof, dust resistant, dust proof, and thelike. To provide power to the support structure contacts, external powerleads 112 a and 112 b are attached to a clip 114. The clip can be,disposed on an internal surface, clip contacts 116 a and 116 b. When theclip is placed on the support structure, the clip contacts are inelectrical communication with the support structure contacts allowingpower to be transferred from the external power leads to the driverand/or LED strip. When the caps are placed on the end of the supportstructure, a water resistance seal can be included in the caps andwithout the power leads extended through the support structure, theintegrity of the support structure is maintained. The clip can include aridge 118 that can engage with grooves 120 in the outer wall of thesupport structure to assist with keeping the clip in place.

Referring to FIG. 14 a schematic of the invention is shown with the signhousing 88 and external power source 122 with external power leads 124extend from the external power source to the interior of the signhousing. The external power leads can be connected to an initialconnector 125. When repairing, modifying, or replacing the lightingassembly or assembly in the sign assembly, the existing wiring assemblyneed not be review or even understood, only where the external powerleads enter the interior of the sign housing so that initial connector125 can be attached to the external power leads needs to be known. Oncethis is performed, the first light connector 126 can be attached toinitial connector 125 and a first lighting assembly 127. A second lightconnector 128 can be wired in parallel to the first light connectorwhich can then be connected to a second light connector 130 of a secondlighting assembly 132. The process can be repeated for a third lightingassembly 134. With this arrangement, the external power can be connectedto one lighting assembly and the existing wiring or wiring assembly neednot be of concern.

Referring to FIGS. 15A through 15C, the external power source 122 caninclude an initial connector 125. The initial connector allows theinstaller to simply find the external power and attach the initialconnector without having to remove, trace, repair, replace or otherwiseuse the existing wiring in the sign housing. An extension cord 174 canbe attached between the initial connector and a hub 176. The hub caninclude a central connector 176 a, a first hub connector 176 b and asecond hub connector 176 c. The hub can then be connected to lightingassembly 16 by extension cord 174 being used attached between the hub176 and the first light connector 126. The light element can beconnected to a second lighting assembly 132 using another extension code174 a that connects between the lighting assembly 16 and second lightingassembly 132. The first light connector 126 and the second lightconnector 128 are positions, configured or arranged to allow the lightelement to rotated about its long axis. In one embodiment, the rotationis 270 degrees or less. The extension cord 174 can include the sameconnects on each end that engaged with the initial connector and thelight element so that either end of the extension cord can be used orcan include a first extension end 178 and a second extension end 180requiring a specific orientation to connects the external power supplyand the light elements. The hub 176 can include a hub extension 182 thatcan eliminate the need for an extension cord. The hub can be connecteddirectly to initial connector or by use of an extension cord. The hubcan be connected directly to the lighting assembly of by use of anextension cord. In one embodiment, the hub can be connected between theinitial connector to the power supply and a single light connector ofthe light element. The hub can then be connected to a second lightelement, also having a single light connector. The hub allows multiplelight connectors to be attached to each other in parallel or series. Ifthere is an end of the hub, extension cord, or hub extension that is notbeing used, a cap 184 can be placed on the connector to protect theconnector and prevent debris and fluid from entering into the hub,extension cord or hub extension. The extension cord, hub, hub extension,and light connectors can be male ends or female ends in any combinationconfigured to allow the various components to be connected to form acompleted electrical circuit. The various connections can be press fit,snapped, detent or threaded connections.

Referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, one embodiment is shown where the firstlight element 138 includes a first light connector 126 connected to theexternal power source, a second light connector 128 can allow the firstlight connector to be connected to a second lighting assembly 132. Athird light connector 136 can be wired in parallel with the first andsecond light connectors allowing for a third lighting assembly 140disposed on the opposite side in relation to the second lightingassembly 132 to be attached to the first light element 138. Each lightelement can include all three light connectors. For the connectors thatare not being used, there can be a connector cap 142 a or 142 b that canbe used to terminate the end of a loose connector as well as serve as anelectrical circuit termination. In one embodiment, the loose connectorneed not be electrically terminated as the connectors are arranged inparallel. With this configuration, multiple light elements can beattached and disposed on a sign housing according to the number of signelements desired and the size of the sign housing. The connectors canhave one or two lines running front the lighting assembly. In oneconfiguration, the lines have two male and one female end as shownconnected to third lighting assembly 140 (FIG. 16). In oneconfiguration, the lines have two female and one male end as shownconnected to second lighting assembly 132 (FIG. 16).

Referring to FIG. 17, the lighting assemblies can be connected to eachother resulting in an extended lighting assembly that is the length ofthe connected lighting assembly. A first lighting assembly 127 can beattached to the external power source 122 and the second lightingassembly 132 can be attached to the external power source 122.Additional lighting assembly can be attached to the first lightingassembly 127 so that each lighting assembly attached to the firstlighting assembly is powered by the external power supply by beingconnected in parallel or series to each other. Additional lightingassembly can be attached to the second lighting assembly 132 so thateach lighting assembly attached to the first lighting assembly ispowered by the external power supply by being connected in parallel orseries to each other. In one configuration, the first power lightelement can be attached to the external power supply and the secondlighting assembly can be attached to the first lighting assembly so thatonly one lighting assembly needs to be attached to the external powersupply. A joint 142 can be used to connect two lighting assemblies. Thetwo lighting assemblies can be connected end to end in a lengthwiseconfiguration. One end of the lighting assembly can include a jointopening 144 that can receive the joint. The joint can be removablysecured to the lighting assembly with friction fit, detent, clip,fastener 146, or any combination thereof. The fastener can apply forceto the joint or can extend into the joint to secure the two-lightingassembly together. The joint can include a slot 148 that can receive thefastener or otherwise be configured to secure the two-lighting assemblytougher. The joint can include an internal joint brace 150 to supportthe joint when it is received in the lighting assembly. The joint canalso include one or more openings 152 extending the length of the joint.Lighting assembly length can include lengths in the ranges about 105 to123 inches. When two light elements are joined without an electricalconnection being included in the joint 142, the light elements can beelectrically connected together using the structures and functiondescribed herein.

Referring to FIGS. 18A and 18B, joint 142 is shown received into firstlighting assembly 127. The joint can include a “U” cross section havingan open side 154 to define a tray within the joint. The tray can receivewiring that can extend from one end of the lighting assembly to theother end. The wiring of the first lighting assembly 127 can be attachedto a first wiring clip 156 included in a wiring clip assemble 158.Wiring included in the second lighting assembly 132 can be attached asecond wiring clip 160 included in a wiring clip assemble 158. The firstwiring clip and the second wiring clip can be removably connected or canbe one time connected. The wiring clip assembly allowed power from theexternal power source connected to the first lighting assembly to bedelivered to the wiring of the second lighting assembly so that thefirst and second lighting assembly are powered when connected. Thewiring clip assembly can be disposed on the tray of the joint allowingthe first lighting assembly and the second lighting assembly ends to beflush when connected.

Referring to FIG. 19, the first lighting assembly 127 can receive thejoint. The second lighting assembly 132 can then receive the joint. Thefirst lighting assembly can include a first threaded end 162 of athreaded connector. The second lighting assembly can include a secondthreaded end 164 of the threaded connector. When the first lightingassembly and the second lighting assembly receive the joint, the firstthreaded end and the second threaded end are connected securing thefirst lighting assembly to the second lighting assembly. The firstthreaded end can include threads on its interior surface. The secondthreaded end can include threads 166 on its exterior surface that engagewith the thread of the first threaded connector. The threaded connectorcan be configured to removable connect to first lighted element to thesecond lighted element. The wiring and the wiring clip assemble can bedisposed in the joint

Referring to FIG. 20, electrical communications between the firstlighting assembly and the second lighting assembly can be accomplishedby first electrical connectors 168 being connected to the wiring of thefirst lighting assembly and disposed external on the first lightingassembly. The first lighting assembly can include a joint extension 170that carried the first electrical connectors. When the joint extensionin received in the second lighting assembly, the first electricalconnectors can contact the second electrical connectors 172, connectingto the wiring of the second lighting assembly, in joint opening 144 sothat the first lighting assembly can be in electrical communicationswith the second lighting assembly.

In one configuration, both the first lighting assembly and the secondlighting assembly include electrical connectors in their respectiveopenings. The joint can include joint electrical connectors that, whencontacting the electrical connectors of the first lighting assembly andthe second lighting assembly, provide for electrical communicationsbetween the first lighting assembly and the second lighting assembly.

Referring to FIG. 21, a sign body 190 is shown having a cavity 192defined in the sign body for receiving light tubes. A cover can beplaced over the sign body so that the printing or other designs on thecover is illuminated from the rear by the light disposed on the sighbode. The sign tubes 194, being straight, cannot accommodate the curvesand asymmetrical shapes of the sign body and create hot spots 196 and198 as well as dark areas 200, 202 and 204. These hot spots and darkareas can be reduced an even eliminated by replacing the traditionaltubes with the lighting assembly of the present invention and rotatingthe lighting assembly so that the light projects in a direction shown as206 rather than in 360° as with transitional lighting. Further, becauseeach individual lighting can rotate, each lighting assembly optimallypositioned to reduce or eliminate hot spots of dark areas.

Referring to FIGS. 22A through 22F, the structure for the replacement oftraditional lengthy fluorescent tubes with shorter tubes is shown. Thesystem for converting these light assemblies, and other styles, includesan adapter plate 208. The original lighting installation is dissembledwith only the housing, reflector, mounting assembly, or some combinationremaining. The wiring, 210 is removed from the original light assembly.The replacement wiring assembly 212 for a replacement such as a set offour-foot T8 lamps to replace a set of two T12 8-foot lamps isinstalled. The replacement wiring can contain or omit ballast 214. Insome embodiment, the replacement components can be for lighting sourcesthat either do not require a ballast or have the ballast incorporated inthe replacement lighting source. In one embodiment, wiring for thefour-foot T8 lamps is attached to the it is attached to housing,mounting assembly, disposed in a channel of any combination. The adapterplate includes a first end 216 that includes a set of openings 218 forreceiving lamp holders. The openings can be a set of opening for twolamp holders or a single opening for receiving two lamp holders.Attachment opening 220 can be included that can be used to secure theadapter plate to the mounting assembly, housing, reflector or anycombination. The adapter plate can include a middle section 222. Themiddle section can include first end inside lamp holder openings 224 andsecond end inside lamp holder opening 226. Inside attachment openings228 a and 228 b can be included in the middle section. A second end 230can be included in the adapter plate that can have one or more openings232 for receiving lamp holders and attachment opening 234. While thelamps can be of an original length 236, the adapter plate allows lampholder to be positioned to hold lamp that are of a shorter length 238.In one embodiment, two 8-foot T12 are replaced by four 4-foot t* lamps.

A cross section along A-A is shown with the “U” cross section 240 of theadapter plate in one embodiment, and the lamp holders 242 extending froma channel area 246 defined between the adapter plate and the mountingassembly, externally through adapter plate to a lamp area 248. Theadapter plate can be placed over the replacement wiring assembly,ballast and over at least a portion of the starter in one embodiment.

In one embodiment can include two lamp holders at the first and secondends. The middle section can include lamp holder that are designed tohold the end of two lamps each disposed about 180° to each other. Byusing these two types of lamp holders, the longer lamps such as the8-foot T12 can be replaced with two shorter lamps such as 4-foot T8lamps. The lamp holders are attached to the replacement wiring assembly,received in the adapter plate and the adapter place attached to themounting assembly, housing, reflector or any combination.

In one embodiment, the adapter plate is designed to be used to replace8-foot lamps with two 4-foot lamps. In order to facilitate the storage,shipping and handling of the adapter plate, the first section, middlesection, second section or any combination can be removable attached toeach other. In one embodiment, to facilitate the consistency of thelength of the adapter plate when installed, the sections are slideablyconnected at one or more points. The connections can be disposedgenerally at any position along the adapter plate. In one embodiment,one section 250 can receive the adjacent section 252 and the two-sectionsecured allowing the shorter sections to be stored and transported andassembled into an adapter plate that can a longer length than any onesection and 8 feet or longer in one embodiment. A middle securing plate254 can be included so that the first section and the second sectionattached to the middle securing plate providing for an adapter platethat is the length of the two attached sections. The plates and sectiondescribed herein can include pre-drilled or pre-tapped holes so that thelength of the assembled adapter plate can be consistently obtained. Thevarious plates and section can include stops that allow the length ofthe assembled adapter plate to be consistently obtained. Two sectionscan also be joined with fish plates, cross plates connectors, “C” shapedbrackets, “L” shaped brackets, and the like.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill inthe art to which the presently disclosed subject matter belongs.Although any methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent tothose described herein can be used in the practice or testing of thepresently disclosed subject matter, representative methods, devices, andmaterials are herein described.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that one or moreaspects of this invention can meet certain objectives, while one or moreother aspects can meet certain other objectives. Each objective may notapply equally, in all its respects, to every aspect of this invention.As such, the preceding objects can be viewed in the alternative withrespect to any one aspect of this invention. These and other objects andfeatures of the invention will become more fully apparent when thefollowing detailed description is read in conjunction with theaccompanying figures and examples. However, it is to be understood thatboth the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detaileddescription are of a preferred embodiment and not restrictive of theinvention or other alternate embodiments of the invention. While theinvention is described herein with reference to several specificembodiments, it will be appreciated that the description is illustrativeof the invention and is not constructed as limiting of the invention.Various modifications and applications may occur to those who areskilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and the scope ofthe invention, as described by the appended claims. Likewise, otherobjects, features, benefits and advantages of the present invention willbe apparent from this summary and certain embodiments described below,and will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such objects,features, benefits and advantages will be apparent from the above inconjunction with the accompanying examples, data, figures and allreasonable inferences to be drawn therefrom, alone or with considerationof the references incorporated herein.

Unless specifically stated, terms and phrases used in this document, andvariations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should beconstrued as open ended as opposed to limiting. Likewise, a group ofitems linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read as requiringthat each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, butrather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise.Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or” should notbe read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rathershould also be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise.

Furthermore, although items, elements or components of the disclosuremay be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplatedto be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular isexplicitly stated. The presence of broadening words and phrases such as“one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases insome instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case isintended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may beabsent.

While the present subject matter has been described in detail withrespect to specific exemplary embodiments and methods thereof, it willbe appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining anunderstanding of the foregoing may readily produce alterations to,variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, thescope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather than by wayof limitation, and the subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion ofsuch modifications, variations and/or additions to the present subjectmatter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the artusing the teachings disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A lighting system for a sign comprising: alighting assembly having a support structure, a cavity defined in thesupport structure, and an LED strip carried by said support structure;an end cap assembly including a rotatable cap portion attached to an endof the support structure for engaging a light holder socket; a powercord extending into said cavity through at least one of said end capassembly and said support structure, wherein said power cord includes anelectrical connector for connecting to an external power supply; adriver disposed in said cavity and in electrical communication with saidLED strip and said power cord; and, wherein said lighting assembly isrotatable relative to said light holder socket and said driver ispowered through said power cord for operating said LED strip.
 2. Thelighting system of claim 1 including a first LED strip disposed on afirst side of the support structure and a second LED strip disposed onan opposite side of the support structure.
 3. The lighting system ofclaim 2 wherein said first and second LED strips are in electricalcommunication with said driver.
 4. The lighting system of claim 1including a first end cap assembly disposed on a first end of saidsupport structure and a second end cap assembly disposed on a second endof said support structure opposite said first end, wherein said firstand second end cap assemblies each include a fixed cap secured to saidsupport structure and a rotatable cap rotatably mounted to said fixedcap.
 5. The lighting system of claim 4 wherein said first end capassembly engages a first light holder socket and said second end capassembly engages a second light holder socket so that said lightassembly is rotatable relative to said light holder sockets.
 6. Thelighting system of claim 5 wherein said rotatable cap includes a stop toprevent the rotatable cap from rotating more than 360°.
 7. The lightingsystem of claim 5 including an internal extension disposed in saidcavity providing an attachment point to secure said fixed cap to saidsupport structure through a securing member extending from said fixedcap into said internal extension.
 8. The lighting system of claim 1wherein said support structure includes said cavity defined betweenopposing side walls, an LED strip carried by at least one of saidopposing side walls, and at least one end wall interconnecting saidopposing side walls, wherein said end wall includes a series of ridgesdisposed along an exterior surface between said opposing side walls. 9.The lighting system of claim 8 wherein said opposing side walls eachinclude an LED slot for receiving said LED strip.
 10. The lightingsystem of claim 1 wherein said power cord is defined by a plurality ofpower lead wires connecting said driver to said external power supply.11. The lighting system of claim 1 including a second power cord havingan electrical connector adapted for connecting to a power cord of asecond light assembly.
 12. A lighting system for a sign comprising: alighting assembly having a support structure, a cavity defined in thesupport structure, and an LED strip carried by said support structure;an end cap assembly attached to an end of the support structure forengaging a light holder socket; a power cord extending into said cavitythrough at least one of said end cap assembly and said supportstructure, wherein said power cord includes an electrical connector forconnecting to an external power supply; a driver disposed in said cavityand in electrical communication with said LED strip and said power cordfor operating said LED strip.
 13. The lighting system of claim 12including a first end cap assembly disposed on a first end of saidsupport structure and a second end cap assembly disposed on a second endof said support structure opposite said first end, wherein said firstand second end cap assemblies each include a fixed cap secured to saidsupport structure and a rotatable cap rotatably mounted to said fixedcap and configured to allow the lighting assembly to rotate relative tothe light holder socket.
 14. The lighting system of claim 13 whereinsaid rotatable cap includes a stop to prevent the rotatable cap fromrotating more than 360°.
 15. The lighting system of claim 13 includingan internal extension disposed in said cavity providing an attachmentpoint to secure said fixed cap to said support structure through asecuring member extending from said fixed cap into said internalextension.
 16. The lighting system of claim 1 wherein said supportstructure includes said cavity defined between opposing side walls, anLED strip carried by at least one of said opposing side walls, and atleast one end wall interconnecting said opposing side walls, whereinsaid end wall includes a series of ridges disposed along an exteriorsurface between said opposing side walls.
 17. The lighting system ofclaim 16 wherein said opposing side walls each include an LED slot forreceiving said LED strip.
 18. The lighting system of claim 1 whereinsaid power cord is defined by a plurality of power lead wires connectingsaid driver to said external power supply.
 19. The lighting system ofclaim 1 including a second power cord having an electrical connectoradapted for connecting to a power cord of a second light assembly.
 20. Alighting system comprising: a sign housing including a light holdersocket; a lighting assembly having a support structure carrying an LEDstrip; an end cap assembly attached to an end of the support structureengaging said light holder socket; a power cord extending from saidlighting assembly, wherein said power cord includes an electricalconnector for connecting to an external power supply; and, a driver inelectrical communication with said LED strip and said power cord foroperating said LED strip.